War Planes Fly Past my Garden 30th May 2025

Lancaster bomber, Hurrican and Spitfire.

Only just caught them this time!

Arrived at home just in time to see this fly past, before they landed at Hawarden Airport.

Every blog post must have a picture of Moel Famau!

 

Gronant, Big Pool N.R., Around Talacre Abbey and Coed Bell.

Marsh orchid and Ladybird by FM.

Gronant Dunes NR looking towards Point of Ayr.

Gronant Dunes NR looking towards Barkby Beach, Prestatyn

Looking towards Coed Bell from Gronant Dunes NR.

Skylark at Gronant Dunes NR.

Skylark at Gronant Dunes NR.

Little terns near the Little tern colony at Gronant Dunes NR.

A Little tern in flight.

Another Marsh orchid near Presthaven Sands.

Heading for Presthaven Sands Beach.

Lesser black back gulls.

High tide at Presthaven Sands Beach (around mid-day).

A boat on the high seas.

On the trot round the circuit near Big Pool Wood.

FM's photo of the pony and trap.

Ferns in wood heading towards the Abbey Caravan Park.

Looking towards the coast from the Abbey Caravan Park.

Foxgloves in flower.

Foxglove flowers close up.

Bluebells next to the track past Celston Hall Farm.

MD's Peacock and Bluebells

Bluebells already gone to seed in Coed Bell.

Stepping out on the descent from Coed Bell.

Distance: 9.1 miles. Climb: 928’.
Time: 5 hours 48 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
Temperature: 19.2 Celsius at lunch in Big Pool Wood NR. Max – 20.5 Celsius in the end of the walk.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 2. Mainly a Light breeze, reaching a maximum of 5.7 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Fran and Mike.
Weatherwise this was a better day than forecast, although we did get very light rain for about 30 minutes just as we set off.
We started the walk by heading for the Gronant Dunes NR and the Little tern colony viewpoint.
There was plenty of Little terns flying around, but the warden informed us that they had only just started to identify nest sites.
We spent a little longer viewing the terns than we usually, so we had to think of a different place for lunch as it would take us to about 13-30 to get to our usual lunch spot near Abbey Farm.
As it was half term for most schools, there was plenty of families looking to play on the Presthaven Sands beach, but they would have to wait a while as the tide was well in at 11-45 and it would be about another half an hour before the tide started to go out.
So far, the Little terns and Skylarks were the stars, but lots of Marsh orchids were bonus.
As we approached Big Wood NR, it was a joy to se the pony and trap racing around the track, quicker than you think, making it difficult to take a decent picture.
We ended up having lunch in Big Pool Wood, where there was plenty of choice of benches and picnic tables to choose from. It was a pleasant lunch break, sitting in the sunshine and shielded from the breeze by the surrounding trees.
As ever, the paths around Kelton Farm were overgrown, resulting in some of us getting stung by Nettles.
We were hoping to see Bluebells, especially in Coed Bell, but alas we were too late and all of the Bluebells had gone to seed.
We did see a few Bluebells in flower along the track from Celston Hall Farm towards Acre Wood.
Birds seen or heard today included: Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Carrion crow, Chiffchaff, Cetti warbler, Mallard Woodpigeon, Winter wren, Barn swallow, European robin, House sparrow, Common buzzard, Moorhen, Great tit, Blue tit, Mute swan, Great cormorant, Common pheasant, Lesser black back gull, Herring gull, Rook, Sedge warbler, Common starling, Skylark, Meadow pipit, Stonechat, Little egret and Little tern.

Butterflies seen included: Common blue, Small tortoiseshell, Peacock and Red admiral.
We arrived back at the car, having had a good walk, and ready for refreshments. We tried the Brit at Halkyn, but for the second time the Lees bitter tasted vinegary, so we headed to the Blue Bell where the Lees bitter and Treboom’s Welsh Sparkle went down well.

Walks and Date May 2025

Saturday Walks.

I have decided that it has become pointless for me to plan Saturday walks in advance as most weeks I am the only one around.

However Saturday walks can be arranged on request.

One short walk a month could be included on request.

Saturday 3rd May 2025.

Traeth Lafan and Its Foothills.

Distance:7-8 miles. Climb:1000'.

Start: Abergwyngeryn Free Car Park Grid ref: SH0652728. Post code: LL33 0LF

PC (opens about 09-30) nearby and a cafe at the outdoor centre that allows walkers to use the toilets (opens earlier than PC.)

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

hose planning to walk: Martyn, Mike.

Those not walking: .

This walk taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks On the North Wales Coast". The Traeth Lafan and it Foothills. This walk is an annual favourite and has in the past given us some wonderful experiences, especially in Winter trampling through soft fluffy knee deep snow, that didn't stick or wet our legs.  You never know we may get some  snow, this time too. It should be worthwhile bringing binoculars with you as we may visit The Spinnies Nature Reserve on the way back to our car.

This walk is described as walk of contrasting coastal and upland scenery with good views from the higher points on the North Wales path.

 This time we will use the road to The Spinnies, and avoid the unpleasant smelly muddy experience of taking the path through the farm yard,

We may see a Kingfisher at The Spinnies, but that often depends on whether the tide is coming.

Wednesday 7th May 2025.

Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest.

Distance: 8.9 miles. Climb: 1913'.
Start: Tegg's Nose Country Park Car park. Pay and Display. Grid ref: SJ950732.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m. 

Those planning to walk: Martyn (I will drive), .

Those not walking: .

It only takes about an hour to get there (as long as there re no road issues!.

We last did his walk in May 2021 when the Bluebells were out in Macclesfield Forest.  Hopefully they will be today.
This walk is taken from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire". It is described as a varied walk with good views from Tegg's Nose. We will visit Tegg's Nose first, rather than at the end of the walk. The walk is also described as an undulating walk exploring the countryside on the edge of the Peak District. This is a walk that we have come to like and regularly appears on the list but normally in Winter. It is useful to bring binoculars just in case we get a chance to see the Summer visiting bird.

Saturday 10th May 2025.

Pendle Hill From Barley.

Distance: 7-8 miles; Climb: 1600'

Start: Barley Car Park and Picnic Site. Grid ref: SD82334031. Closest Post Code: BB129JT

Leave Chester 08-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Nigel.

Those not walking: ,

Starting from Barley will give us a different approach to Pendle Hill's trig point on Big End. The described route takes the steepest path on the Pendle Way directly yo the summit plateau.  However we have the choice to take a longer more gentle approach by following the path that we usually use for descent. The route from the trig point takes us on the Jubilee Trail down Ogden Clough and on past the Upper Ogden Reservoir. The stream in  Ogden Clough has to be crossed twice, but there is no mention of any footbridges! Hopefully the stream won't be too wide or deep, if we have to ford them!

At the top of the Lower Ogden Reservoir, the route takes  us through Fell Wood, leading to New Church in Pendle.

The final part of the route uses woodland paths, field paths and a green lane back to the start.

Wednesday 14th May 2025.

Coed Allt-y-Tywod, Coed y Garreg, Coed Pen-y-gelli and more

Distance: 7 -10 miles. Climb: 700’.

Start: Roadside parking at Lloc. If approaching from Holywell on the A5026, turn left by the public house (now a private house) into St Asaph Road. Park on left. If approaching on the A5026 from its nearest junction with the A55 (Prestatyn junction), Turn right in front of the former public house (now a private house) into St Asaph Road. This is just after the Pant Y Wacco sign and the road starts to bear left. St Asaph Road is one way and can only be approached from then A5026.

Grid ref: SJ145765.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m. 

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Nigel Mike and Fran.

Those not walking: ,

This is one of our annual Bluebell Wood walks. Usually done in May, but some people have predicted the Bluebells will be aabout two weeks earlier than usual.  It is a figure of eight walk based on Lloc. The walk includes parts of two walks taken from Dave Berry's booklet “Walks around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain."

As this is a figure of eight walk, there are plenty of opportunities to shorten the walk if desired

Saturday 17th May 2025.

Bollington to Bowstones.

Distance: 9-10 miles.

Climb:1800' at a guess.

Start: Pool Bank Car Park, (B5090) Palmerston Street, Bollington (Opposite the Spinners Arms). Post Code SK10 5PW.

Grid ref: SJ93687789

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike.

Those not walking: .

This walk is taken from Graham Beech's book "East Cheshire Walks", and is the second walk from this book that we will undertake. He describes this walk as an exhilarating walk to the Bowstones, and is a popular walk. It includes a fair portion of Lyme Park and sections of the Gritstone Trail. He describes the walk as strenuous, but I think we can still cope, even though it is over fifteen years since we last did it.

Wednesday 21st May 2025.

Lady Bagot's Drive and More.

Distance: 8 -10 miles. Climb: 600'.

Start: Ruthin Craft Centre Car park (free) on Lon Parcwr (4th turning off the roundabout if approaching from Mold/Chester. It is opposite Tesco). Grid ref: SJ125586

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Nigel.

Those not walking: Fran .

This walk is adapted from two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd".  We have completed this walk many times before in all sorts of weather conditions. Conditions underfoot have been particularly challenging after lots of rain and the Afon Clwyd is in spate.  In the past we have seen Kingfishers and Salmon jumping the weir, seeing either again would be nice.

The length of the walk depends on which way we decide to return to Ruthin from Rhewl.

Saturday 24th May 2025.

No planned walk - see below for a list of possible walks.

Wednesday 28th May 2025.

Gronant, Big Pool N.R., Around Talacre Abbey 

and Coed Bell.

Distance: 7-8 miles.
Climb: 1250’
Start: Gronant Dunes Car Park on Shore Road, Lower Gronant. This is off the Coast Road (A548), signposted Presthaven Sand and Gronant Sand Dunes. Grid ref: SJ090837.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn,  .
Those not walking:  Nigel, Fran.
When we visited Coed Bell in May 2024, we were impressed by the display of Bluebells, probably the best show of the year.
The walk explores the low hills at the northern end of the Clwydian Hills, but starts along the coast before heading past Abbey View Caravan Park. We will probably make a short detour to visit Big Pool Nature reserve, before climbing  above the site of Talacre Abbey and onto to the track past Home Farm. We usually have lunch opposite Home Farm, where we can take advantage of the stone wall as perching spots. 

After lunch we will visit Coed Bell, hopefully with lots of Bluebells, before descending through Gronant and back to the start.

Saturday 31st May 2025.

Holyhead Breakwater Country Park and South Stack.

Distance:10-12 miles. Climb:1326'.

Start: Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (Pay and Display - £8-00 in 2024). SH225833

or

Parking area at SH234835 on the road to the Holyhead Breakwater Park.

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: 

This is another walk that has become an annual favourite. Along the coastal section there should be  good chances of seeing Choughs, Guillemots, Razorbills and even Puffins. Bring binoculars if you can. If time and energy reserves allow, we may visit the summit of Holyhead Mountain.

If we start at the Breakwater Country Park paring area, we will do the walk in a clockwise direction, if park in the free parking area, we will go along the coastal path first.

Suggestions for Saturday Walks.

Wales.

Moel y Garneddd.

Distance: 7-8 miles.

Climb: 1200'.

Start: Fronfeuno Snowdonia National Park Lakeside Car park Grid ref: SH917351.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Y Bala and Penllyn". The walk explores the undulating countryside West of Bala. The route follows a a bridleway up to moorland, eventually crossing Moel y Garneddd at a height of 1170'. We can expect to see superb views as we cross the open moorland. The return route goes through attractive woodland. This is a walk for experienced walkers only and should not be attempted in poor visibility. Careful navigation is required.

Caer, Gai, Cwm Dyfrydwy with an extension over Garth Fawr.

Distance: 9.1 miles. Climb: 1100'.

Start: Roadside parking in Llanuwchllyn on B4403. Park opposite the PC and chapel. Grid ref: SH875302.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m. 

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Y Bala and Penllyn". One walk is described as a fascinating walk featuring a Roman fort and historic houses and the other explores both sides of the Dyfrdwy Valley. The optional extension explores the countryside South of Llanuwchllyn, climbing to open moorland around Garth Fawr at a height of 1079'. It returns along the Western side of the Afon Twrch (Cwm Cynllwyd).

Ffrith Mountain and the Alyn Gorge.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1010'.
Start: Lay-by on the Cadole to the Pantymwyn road. Grid ref: SJ205627. Approaching Loggerheads on the A494, Mold to Ruthin Road and after passing the former Rainbow Inn (now a smalll new housing estate), take the next road on the right just before the newsagent. The lay-by is almost immediately on the right by the telephone kiosk.

Leave Chester: 09-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's Book " More Walks in the Clwydian Hills" He describes it as an excellent walk exploring beautiful valleys and foothills. We usually start at Loggerheads, but as it is £5 to park for more than 4 hours we will start up the road in Cadole.

Eglwyseg Escarpment and Trevor Rocks.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1200’. Can be made shorter if need be.
Start: Off road parking on the Panorama road just east of the monument. Grid ref: SJ247426.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn,  . 
Those not walking: Mike
This must be one of the best walks in the Llangollen area, especially on a sunny day. This is a walk that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world with superb views in all directions, including the Dee Valley, Dinas Bran, the Llantysilio Mountains and the Berwyns. This is one of my favourite walks and is always on the list at least once every year.
We usually do this walk in mid-week, so it will be a change to do it on a Saturday but hopefully everyone else will be staying at home to watch the coronation!
At this time of the year, we could still hear and see Cuckoos. 

Cuckoo reportedly arrive in the valley at the beginning of May, so hopefully we won't be disappointed.

Lady Bagot’s Dive and More 21st May 2025 May 2025

Wetherspoon's Ruthin Castle Hotel - our hostelry of choice for our after walk refreshments and where Mike was meeting his cousins at 16-30.

An impressive memorial to a local racing car driver who was killed in 1977.

A closer look at the Memorial.

More details about the racing car driver.

St. Mwrog and Mary's Church, Llanfwrog.

Our first view of Moel Famau.

Field geraniums.

Looking over Golflinks Farm towards the Clwydian Hills 

A  male Common pheasant negotiates the long grass.

This field of grass looked quite purple as it waved in the breeze and sunshine.

The Afon Clywedog from the footbridge east of Berth.

The start of the delightful Lady Bagot's Drive

Fallen trees across the Afon Clywedog.

More fallen trees across the Afon Clywedog.

An impressive fern seen next to Lady Bagot's Drive.

Bluebells in Coed Nant.

The delightful path through Coed Nant.

More Bluebells in Coed Nant.

Possibly our best view of the Clwydian Hills as we emerged from Coed Nant.

"Are you sure you want to come this way?"

A female Mallard and most of her 12 ducklings.

4 more of the ducklings.

The Drovers Arms, Rhwel.

On the field path from Rhewl on the way to Plas-y-Ward.

Plas-y-Ward Farm House.

"On a day like this, it is quite nice to have a paddle."

Distance: 8.7 miles. Climb: 692’.
Time: 6 hours 6 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
Temperature: 17.2 Celsius at the start. 19.2 Celsius at lunch in Rhewl. Max – 21.2 Celsius in direct sunshine.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 2. Mainly a Light breeze, reaching a maximum of 5.9 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Nigel and Mike.
Weatherwise this was a good day for walking, pleasantly warm, but with a cooling breeze.
This was a walk that we have done many times before, often in Spring when lots of flowers are appearing. Today was a little disappointing as the Ramsons still smelled strongly of garlic, but most of the flowers had died off. However, we did see some Bluebells still in flower in Coed Nant. Lots of Buttercups and Daisies and early on in the walk a small splash of Field geraniums.
The Afon Clywedog had more water in it that the Afon Clwyd, but they still seemed pretty low.
Lunch was taken at Rhewl, where we took advantage of available seats near the bus stop and the Drovers Arms, a Lees house, but sadly didn’t open until 17-00.
We used several field paths, and the ground was very hard and looked very dry. Many of the fields had been planted with crops that looked as though they were Ok, but they may have been revived by the hour-long downpour they had yesterday.
Birds seen or heard today included: Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Carrion crow, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Song thrush, Mallard Woodpigeon, Winter wren, House martin, Barn swallow, European robin, House sparrow, Common buzzard, Moorhen, Common chaffinch, Blue tit, Grey heron, Woodpigeon, Common pheasant, Lesser black back gull, Herring gull, Rook, Common starling, Pied wagtail and Grey wagtail.
We arrived back at the car, having had a good walk, and ready for some liquid refreshment at the Ruthin Castle (a Wetherspoon establishment).
Nigel enjoyed a pint of Weetwood’s Cheshire Cat, I had several cups of tea, and it was Mike’s turn to enjoy a pint of Pepsi Cola.
We even sat outside, but in the shade at first, but moved into the Sun when it started to feel on the cool side. The outdoor seating in the Ruthin Castle gives good views of Moel Famau and the Clwydian Hills.
Mike had arranged to meet his cousins at about 16-30, and we left just before then, after one of his cousins had arrived.
After dropping off Nigel, I returned home via the Fountains Roundabout, and was pleasantly surprised to see how quiet and easy it was to negotiate.